Finance Counter Supervisor

City of Chula Vista; Chula Vista (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Chula Vista seeks a Collections Supervisor to plan, organize, direct and supervise the Collections Section within the Finance Department and manage complex accounts receivable operations for city services and fees.

The position leads staff, establishes workflows, implements policies, coordinates with other departments, and pursues delinquent accounts and NSF checks through internal and external procedures to maximize revenue while maintaining excellent customer service.

Qualifications

• Four years of experience in the collection of accounts, including delinquent accounts, and one year of lead or supervisory experience.
• Training equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, business administration, or closely related field.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise and review the work of staff processing payments and inquiries across City services.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to maximize revenue and ensure accountability.
• Coordinate with other City departments and outside agencies to handle delinquencies, liens and legal collection procedures.

Skills

Staff supervision

Operations oversight

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, or related field

Job description

To plan, organise, direct and supervise the Collections Section within the Finance Department; and to perform a variety of complex technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

Note: This position is currently budgeted as Collections Supervisor; however, the title is pending reclassification to Finance Counter Supervisor, subject to City Council approval.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The supervisor level recognizes positions that perform full, first-line supervisory responsibilities including planning, assigning and evaluating the work of subordinates and are responsible for work units within a section or department.

Supervision Received & Exercised

Receives general direction from the Revenue Manager. Exercises direct supervision over assigned personnel.

Essential Functions

Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: plan, prioritize, assign, supervise and review the work of staff involved in processing payments and answering inquiries regarding numerous City services and associated fees and taxes including, but not limited to, parking citations, sewer bills, business license receipts, Development Services permit fees, RV permits, general accounts receivable, delinquent trash payments, and collection accounts; recommend and assist in the implementation of staff goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for the Collections section; implement policies and procedures related to area of assignment; evaluate operations and activities of assigned responsibilities; recommend improvements and modifications to ensure accountability and maximization of revenue; prepare various reports on operations and activities; research and implement best practices to improve the City’s comprehensive collections program; participate in the selection of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures; research, develop and administer programs and projects to enhance City revenue collection; work in close coordination with sections within the Finance Department such as Sewer, Trash, Business Licensing, TOT to assist with Collections; assist the Revenue Manager in coordinating and communicating with city-wide departments such as the City Attorney’s Office, Police Department, Development Services, Engineering, Recreation, Library and other outside agencies to establish and implement investigative methods and legal procedures for the collection of delinquent accounts and non-sufficient fund (NSF) checks; represent the City in Small Claims Court in pursuit of delinquent debtors and NSF check repayments; plan, coordinate and monitor the Property Lien cycle, placement of debt on the County Tax Roll, referral of accounts to third-party collections, in-house collections activity and any other delinquent account processes, as assigned; perform complex administrative and analytical work in the area of Collections for City-wide receivables; provide assistance to Senior Management; develop manuals, desk notes, SOPs and procedural handbooks as needed; assist with the implementation and integration of case management systems, accounting software and enterprise resource planning systems; answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints, escalated issues and special cases; coordinate with various City departments and outside agencies to identify and resolve inter-departmental financial issues relating to collections; analyze internal controls; design and implement cash management procedures; collect and prepare statistical data on operations and activities for various reports; build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer services; perform other related duties as assigned.

Any combination of education and/or experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: f our years of experience in the collection of accounts, including the collection of delinquent accounts, and one year of lead or supervisory experience AND training equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting, business administration, or closely related field.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: California Civil Code, Government Code and Vehicle Code, Uniform Consumer Credit Code, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and other pertinent local, State and Federal laws, ordinances and rules; principles and practices of collection work; Small Claims Court procedures and proceedings; standard accounting practices; modern office practices and procedures; computer equipment and software applications related to assignment; principles of supervision, training and performance evaluations; principles and practices of safety management; English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation. Ability to: Organize, implement and direct the operations and activities of a comprehensive collections program; on a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policy and procedures; supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff; interpret the legal requirements involved in collection work; interpret and explain pertinent City and department policies, procedures and municipal codes; effectively handle conflict situations with customers and maintain good public relations while protecting City interests; perform research, mathematical computations and maintain moderately complex financial records; develop and recommend policies and procedures related to assigned operations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

On a continuous basis, sit at desk for long periods of time; intermittently stand and walk. Intermittently twist and reach office equipment above and below shoulders; use telephone, write or use keyboard to communicate through written means; use a computer keyboard on a regular and continuing basis; lift or carry up to 10 pounds. See in the normal vision range with or without correction to read typical business documents and computer screens; hear in the normal range with or without correction. Primary work is in performed indoors in a carpeted and air-conditioned office environment with fluorescent lighting and moderate noise level. There is some exposure to the external environment when going to outlying offices. Work is frequently disrupted by the need to respond to in-person and telephone inquiries.

Recruitment Number 26368309

Unless otherwise noted, a passing score must be achieved at each step of the selection process in order to have your name placed on the eligibility list for hiring consideration. Note that the examination materials for this recruitment are validated, copyrighted and/or inappropriate for review. The eligibility list established as a result of this recruitment will be for a duration of six (6) months, unless otherwise extended.